Psalm in a Time of Bewilderment

“Bewilder,” is from an old English word “be wilder” meaning to lose one’s bearings. The word borders on being lost in the wild. I suspect that many of us have a sense of bewilderment these days. Psalm 44 is written by one who is bewildered by what God is allowing to happen to Israel.

The Psalmist speaks to God:

“We have heard for ourselves, God, our forefathers have told us what deeds you did in their time, all your hand accomplished in days of old…God you are my King. In God have we gloried all day long and we shall praise your name for ever.

Yet you have rejected and humbled us and no longer lead our armies to battle. You have given us up to be slaughtered like sheep. You have made us a byword among the nations, and the peoples toss their heads at us.

Though all this has befallen us, we do not forget you…our hearts have not been unfaithful, nor have our feet strayed from your path …. had we forgotten the name of our God and spread our hand in prayer to alien gods would not God have found out?” The writer is implying that God has rejected them for no reason.

Prayer: Lord, rise up and come to our aid. You are the king who knows the secrets of our hearts; fill us with the light of truth and with your strong arm lead us to freedom, as you mightily delivered our ancestors; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.